A man and woman had to receive hospital treatment after two men wearing balaclavas broke into their Littlemoor home.

At around 7.30pm yesterday, two men with their faces covered gained entry to an address in Bayard Road.

The men, who were reportedly in possession of baseball bats, assaulted a female occupant of the property by punching her to the face before they left the address when challenged by a male occupant.

As they left, the men threw a concrete block through the window and threw a wheelie bin towards the male victim, causing cuts and bruising to his head.

Both victims were taken to hospital for treatment.

One of the offenders is described as white and around five feet six inches tall with stubble and a bent nose. He was wearing a grey jacket, zip up hooded top and a balaclava.

The other man is described as white and wearing all black clothing with a hooded top and balaclava.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following the aggravated burglary.

Detective Inspector Simon Austin, of Dorset County CID, said: “This must have been a distressing incident for the victims, and I would like to reassure the local community that we have launched a full investigation to identify those involved.

“We are carrying out a number of detailed enquiries and I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on the evening of Tuesday, November 5, or who has any further information that might assist our enquiries, to please contact us.

“I would also urge residents in the vicinity with home CCTV systems or doorbell cameras, as well as any motorists with dashcam who were in the area, to please review your footage for anything of relevance.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240170824.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.